The Michigan State Spartans take on the Penn State Nittany Lions tonight at 7 PM. The real fireworks happened this morning at the Nittany Lion Inn, close to 11 AM. Built in the 1930s the picturesque Inn is a peaceful staple of the Penn State community.

At least it was until today. Michigan State basketball players Adreian Payne and Branden Dawson had an argument that turned physical inside the second floor lobby. Both young men threw punches and both men sustained minor injuries. A fact PSU Police Chief Tyler Parham confirmed to Spartan Nation.

Parham told us, “It was a verbal altercation in the second floor lobby of the Nittany Lion Inn. Both men threw punches at the others face. Both sustained facial cuts and both men refused medical assistance. Both men were separated and when police arrived on the scene Michigan State was already loaded on to the team bus to go to the Bryce Jordan Center for their walk thru. At that time we detained them, and had both players come off the bus, as well as witnesses so we could take their statements on the incident. ”

Chief Parham also confirmed that, “One player shoved the other into the wall causing damage to the hotel property. The officers are not done writing their reports, and charges have yet to be filed.” That doesn’t mean that charges will be filed, the process has yet to play out.

Usually charges are not filed if no complaint is filed. I would think it is safe to assume that neither player would file charges on the other. With hotel damage having occurred however, does that then become an avenue in which charges could come? Spartan Nation has learned that it is a possibility.

The Chief also confirmed to Spartan Nation, “We were called about the incident by the front desk of the hotel.”

Spartan Nation is on the ground in State College and you can keep it here for the latest.

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Hondo S. Carpenter, Sr. is the founder and publisher of SpartanNation.com and all of the family of services. The idea was birthed when overseas he ran into a Spartan not native to the United States who was wearing his Green and White proudly. He is dedicated to bringing you the latest and greatest information about Michigan State and Detroit Sports News every day. He resides in the Mid Michigan area. Follow Hondo on twitter here: @hondocarpenter.

If the players agree to re-compensate the hotel for the damages, it’s unlikely the hotel will press charges. That usually only happens when the party causing damage refuses to own up or pay. It’s not really different than breaking something in a store. Plus, the MSU Hoops department likely booked the rooms on a credit card & pre-authorized charges for damages.